The Wawa Foundation offers financial grants to registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that operate within areas served by Wawa. These grants support initiatives that align with The Wawa Foundation’s three key focus areas: Health, Hunger, and Everyday Heroes. Organizations interested in applying must ensure their programs fit within these categories and operate within the geographic regions where Wawa is present.
Grants exceeding $2,500 are available through a structured submission process that occurs during four annual windows: January, April, July, and October. During these periods, non-profits can submit a grant request or a Letter of Inquiry, which The Wawa Foundation will review. Applicants will receive a response before the next submission window opens. If an organization’s initial inquiry is approved, The Wawa Foundation may request additional information to continue the evaluation process.
For smaller, community-focused projects, The Wawa Foundation offers Local Connection Grants, which are for amounts less than $2,500. These grants are available year-round, and organizations can submit online inquiries at any time. However, the availability of these grants is dependent on the annual budget allocated for them. If the budget is depleted, inquiries will be declined for the remainder of the year, but organizations are encouraged to reapply in the following year.
The Wawa Foundation's funding aims to support impactful programs that address critical community needs in the areas of health (e.g., wellness programs), hunger (e.g., food insecurity initiatives), and support for Everyday Heroes (e.g., first responders and veterans). Organizations that are eligible and interested in applying should prepare by reviewing the foundation’s criteria and ensuring that their initiatives align with these key areas.
Applicants should be aware of the foundation's clear submission guidelines and timelines to ensure that their applications are complete and submitted during the appropriate grant-making cycles. Local organizations are encouraged to make their connections and apply for smaller grants that directly benefit their community while aligning with the foundation’s mission.
